第１４１０堀：予定を決める (Part2)
Surus lacks the military strength to counter the two invading nations or the next Great Stampede, so they are undoubtedly desperate to conserve whatever forces they have left. However, the absolute condition for receiving aid is submission to the alliance. There are surely those within their ranks who harbor deep resentment toward this arrangement.
In the shadows of this political climate, dark guilds and Dungeon Masters are likely lurking, and there will almost certainly be turncoats within Surus itself. That said, it is difficult for us to conduct an internal investigation of their nation. This is precisely why surveying the western town and the outbreak point has become an essential task.
"I am glad to see you are in agreement. As for our schedule moving forward, we will depart from this fortress near the northern town, pass by the site where the Great Stampede originated, and head toward the western town to begin our investigation."
General Agil began outlining the itinerary, building upon our previous discussion. The primary objectives for this first survey of the western town are to grasp the extent of the damage, mourn the dead, and clear away the carcasses of the monsters. I initially worried that our numbers would be insufficient for such a task, but the general assured me that the accompanying military forces would handle the heavy lifting. Our role will primarily be to head to the lord’s manor and search for important documents. After all, it is not our place to be clearing away the rubble of collapsed buildings ourselves.
"If we can find records from the lord or his officials, we may be able to gather more information regarding the Great Stampede. Of course, we will also confirm the damage to establish a roadmap for reconstruction."
I see. Rather than blindly searching the outbreak point, the western town might indeed hold more tangible information. The possibility is certainly not zero.
"Furthermore, by identifying the types of monsters and the nature of the town's destruction, I hope to discern what the Great Stampede intended by attacking the western town before moving toward the northern town. We are setting an initial duration of one week. Once we return with that report, the Surus inspection team will need to return to the royal capital to present their findings. We cannot simply begin reconstruction on our own, after all."
"Understood."
It is a thorny issue. If this were between individuals or within the same country, helping with reconstruction would be a noble gesture. However, for one nation to unilaterally intervene in the reconstruction of another is to trample upon the latter's dignity.
To surrounding nations, it paints them as a foolish country incapable of even managing their own recovery. To the common people, it makes them appear heartless for failing to aid their own citizens. To their own vassals, it marks them as an unreliable state that offers no support in times of crisis.
Yes, even a brief consideration reveals that this situation is packed with elements that could lead to the collapse of a nation. Even with the backing of an alliance, moving without careful diplomatic preparation would inflict grievous damage on their statecraft.
Conversely, for a nation looking to conquer Surus, this situation is a cause for celebration. Their credibility is plummeting, and there is a real possibility of absorbing not only the enemy’s subjects but their vassals as well. It is entirely possible that information regarding such clandestine deals might surface.
As I was lost in these thoughts, General Agil began to wrap up.
"With that said, we will make our preparations and depart tomorrow morning, arriving at the western town by midday to begin the investigation. Please take this time to rest and prepare yourselves for tomorrow. Are there any questions?"
It seemed the meeting was drawing to a close. Since there were no suspicious points in the proceedings, no one raised any objections, and the meeting was adjourned.
Well, even if I have time to rest, I am not particularly busy. I could return to my room to study medicine, or perhaps check with Rurua on the status of the refugees who fled to the northern town. I pondered these options as I made my way back to my quarters.
Schedules are important. Especially when it comes to grasping the progress of the whole. The more detailed the plan, the easier it is to understand. If things are left vague, it becomes impossible to tell exactly where a problem has occurred.